Fall in the Parks

Families enjoy a hayride at Palmer Park Harvest Fest.

Happy first day of fall! The Detroit Parks Coalition compiled this guide on how to make the most of the season in the city’s green spaces.

Enjoy the changing colors during a walk or hike in one of Detroit’s beautiful parks

• Check out the new Ralph Wilson Trail on the eastern end of Belle Isle

• Enjoy the views of Rouge Park’s Stone Bridge Nature Trail from the new Ela Jiga Memorial Bench dedicated by the Friends of Rouge Park

Take a hayride or pick your own pumpkin at a Harvest Festival

• Palmer Park Harvest Fest: September 24, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

• Detroit Harvest Fest at the Dequindre Cut: October 1-2, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Enjoy some art in the parks—or draw what you see!

• Find all nine DIA InsideOut installations throughout Rouge Park

• Check out the stunning “A Walk in the Park” sculpture and participate in a Community Sing as the Detroit Parks Coalition’s Freedom Arts Festival closes in Eliza Howell Park on October 1, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Celebrate a bountiful harvest at your nearest community garden—or volunteer to put gardens to bed

• Stop by the Virginia Park community garden operated by Midtown Detroit, Inc.

• Volunteer for the cleanup at the Chandler Park wetland on October 4

Watch for migrating birds at Rouge Park and Eliza Howell Park

Go apple picking in the Palmer Park orchards

Enjoy Fall Holidays

• Celebrate Halloween in the D and take advantage of candy stations across the city

• Celebrate Día de Los Muertos at Clark Park and nearby Southwest Detroit or through a free celebration at Robert C. Valade Park on October 29, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

We'll see you in the parks!